Tenor Horns

The Tenor Horn uses a deep, cornet-like mouthpiece and has a conical bore. It is also known as an alto horn in the US, and the althorn in Germany. This horn was developed by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, the Belgian instrument inventor who also gave us the Saxophone. It is used mainly by concert bands and brass bands, particularly in Britain, and contributes much of the full sound of the lower brass section.

Tenor Horns are an Eb transposing instrument. i.e. a C on a tenor horn will sound the same as the Eb below on the piano. In ensemble and as a solo instrument it is similar to the French Horn, but has more of a bass range that gives it its name: from an A below middle C, up to an Eb 1 octave above middle C, with a range of just over an octave. It is given a solo role in Paul Hindemith's Sonata for Alto Horn and Piano, as well as frequently fulfilling a solo role in British brass bands.